I will lead them, these little children of mine, very far in love, in suffering, in the joy of the cross!
Blue Book #42 g, h
Those moments are approaching when I will be able to act, for the salvation of the world, through the sufferings of my priest-sons… From them I want trust, prayer, simplicity, silence…
“If Christians of the past lived in great measure in a silent world, giving them ample opportunity for concentration, contemplation and the inner life, Christians of today have to make a special effort to recover this essential dimension of silence, which alone can put them in contact with God. Thus, the problem of radio and TV during Lent is not a marginal one, but in many ways is a matter of spiritual life or death.”
Grace in Every Season (March 1)
Catherine Doherty in the paragraph above mentions only radio and tv, this was before social media came on the seen. Can you imagine how much ‘noisier’ our lives have become since her days. This is something that I struggle with personally, I live my day with phone in hand. Even though it’s mostly good stuff that I seek… I’m still seeking … instead of just … being.
I’m old enough to remember life without all this. And having been born in the Azores in the early sixties and living there until the age of seven, I have wonderful memories … it wasn’t the burdensome quiet that we now experience when we try an electronics fast. It was different… filled with more… family, play, activities, feasts. Community. Church!
I remember one day much later in life when I was having a resurgence of faith. I was praying and meditating and just sitting with God. And I was hit with this feeling of ‘what now Lord, is this all there is’ … I hate to admit it but it kind of felt dry and boring. Then I sensed Him saying to me… ‘these quiet times are for you to listen to me … so that I can lead you’. That I was to ‘pray and obey’ and would no longer be bored. And oh boy has that ever been true!!!
Hmmm… I’m thinking it’s time to book a retreat… 🙏🙏🙏
Therefore, behold, I will allure her, Bring her into the wilderness And speak kindly to her.
Hosea 2:14